Intra-racial discrimination not a big problem now: EOC

Outlawing intra-racial discrimination is no longer as urgent as before, the equality watchdog’s outgoing head said on Friday. Ricky Chu, chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), said discrimination against mainlanders got worse in 2019 and 2020, but the body received few such complaints over the past few years. “The stance as now, we are of the view that this problem may be a matter dealt with by public education in continuous promotion of anti-discrimination values amongst society,” Chu told a media gathering as he wrapped up his five-year tenure. “But of course, the EOC is also duty-bound to constantly observe whether there is any change of tide in this issue.” Chu also conceded that the body has limitations in dealing with LGBTQ issues in Hong Kong, which are outside the anti-discrimination laws it operates on. “Our fundamental consideration is to see in which particular case or in which particular area that the EOC can have positive contribution by operating on the existing legal regime,” he said. “If it is related to sexual orientation, then it will be outside of our jurisdiction. But if the cause of such anxiety is because of gender dysphoria, then it may be constituted as an issue related to disability discrimination, in which case, the EOC will deal with such complaints in accordance with our existing mechanism.” A former government lawyer, Linda Lam, is set to replace Chu as head of the watchdog from April 11.